OSCE media freedom representative asks for release of Azeri journalist from prison

VIENNA, 4 December 2003 - A leading European media watchdog, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Freimut Duve, has requested Azeri authorities to release a journalist from prison.

In a letter he sent to Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Vilayat Guliyev today, Mr Duve expressed his concern about the situation of Rauf Arifoglu, editor-in-chief of the country's leading opposition newspaper, Yeni Musavat.

Although Mr. Arifoglu is imprisoned while an investigation is supposed to be taking place to determine his role in the Baku riots, no interrogation has been initiated so far, Mr Duve said.

"Reports have reached me that Mr. Arifoglu, arrested in connection with the protest riots which occurred in Baku following the 15 October presidential election, is in extremely poor health," he said.

According to information Mr Duve has received, Rauf Arifoglu is suffering from a severe stomach complaint which is worsening by the day. He is also reported to have started a hunger strike in the prison, along with about 100 other detainees.

"I have often said that no journalist should be imprisoned for attempting to fulfil his or her journalistic responsibilities," added the OSCE's media freedom representative in his letter to Minister Guliyev.

Mr. Duve called on the Azeri government to allow Rauf Arifoglu to receive immediate medical attention and that he be released during the interrogation period.